Peach tree, ‘Burpeachtwentysix’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ), which is denominated varietally as ‘Burpeachtwentysix’, and which produces an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, freestone peach which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 10 to August 17 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of distinctvariety of peach tree, ‘Prunus persica’, and which has been denominatedvarietally as ‘Burpeachtwentysix’.

ORIGIN

The present variety of peach tree resulted from an on-going program offruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improvethe commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, androotstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus,Malus and Juglans regia species. To this end we make both controlled andhybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedlingpopulations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling, ‘Burpeachtwentysix’ was originated by us and selected froma population of seedlings growing in our experimental orchards locatednear Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, which were grown on their own roots,were derived from a cross that we made in 2004 of the yellow-fleshedfreestone peach identified as E62.012, which was used as the seedparent; and a white-fleshed freestone peach tree identified as E48.050,which was used as the pollen parent. As the fruit ripened the resultingseed from this cross was stratified, germinated, and then wassubsequently grown in a greenhouse to an appropriate stage ofdevelopment. Subsequently, the new plants were field planted, and thengrown for further evaluation. One seedling, which is the presentvariety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was thendesignated as ‘P4.099’. This seedling was then marked for subsequentobservation. After the 2006 fruiting season, the new variety of peachtree ‘P4.099’, now named ‘Burpeachtwentysix’ was selected for advancedevaluation and repropagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of peach tree wasaccomplished by budding the new peach tree ‘P4.099’ onto ‘Nemaguard’Rootstock (unpatented). This was performed by us in our experimentalorchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations ofthese asexually reproduced plants have shown those asexual reproductionsrun true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree,and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted throughthese succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burpeachtwentysix’ is a new and distinct variety of peach tree, whichis considered of medium to medium large size, and which has a moderatelyvigorous growth characteristic. This new peach tree is also a regularand productive bearer of relatively large, firm, yellow-fleshed,freestone fruit which have a good flavor and eating qualities. This newpeach tree has a medium chilling requirement of approximately 550 hours,and further produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout thetree. In addition to the foregoing, the fruit of the new peach tree alsoappears to have good handling and shipping qualities.

The ‘Burpeachtwentysix’ peach tree bears fruit which are ripe forcommercial harvesting and shipment on approximately August 10 to August17 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valleyof central California. In relative comparison to the ‘Burpeachfour’peach tree (U.S. Pat. No. 12,405), which produces fruit having a similarharvesting date, the new variety of peach tree bears fruit whichexhibits a higher level (approximately 3-7 brix) of soluble solids thanthe ‘Burpeachfour’ when both varieties have been grown and evaluatedunder the same cultural conditions, and at the same geographicallocation. Further fruit of the subject variety generally exhibits a moreoblate shape than does the ‘Burpeachfour’. Further, with respect to thepollen parent (E48.050) this variety ripens about one month earlier thanthe present variety. Additionally, with respect to the seed parent(E62.012) this variety ripens one month later than the new variety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph ofthe new peach tree variety. The photograph depicts two whole maturefruit showing the top and bottom characteristics thereof, and one maturefruit bisected laterally along the equatorial plane, and which revealsthe flesh characteristics thereof. The external coloration of the fruitas shown in the photograph is sufficiently matured for harvesting andshipment. Additionally, the photograph displays a sample vegetativeshoot bearing typical leaves, and a typical stone, with the fleshremoved to display the surface characteristics thereof. The colors inthis photograph are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a colorrepresentation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing,and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in this photograph may ormay not be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For thisreason, future color references should be made to the color plates(Royal Horticultural Society) and descriptions provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely complywith the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute acommercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the presentvariety will in the future display the botanical, pomological or othercharacteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosuremay not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, butnot limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness forany particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole,or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of peach tree, the following has been observed duringthe fourth fruiting season under the ecological conditions prevailing atthe orchards of the assignee which are located near the town of Fowler,county of Fresno, state of California. All major color code designationsare by reference to The R.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided byThe Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names arealso occasionally used.

TREE

-   Size: Generally. Considered medium to medium large as compared to    other common commercial peach cultivars ripening in the late season    of maturity. The trees of the present variety were pruned to a    height of approximately 280.0 cm to about 300.0 cm at commercial    maturity.-   Vigor: Considered vigorous. The present peach tree variety grew from    about 170.0 cm to about 175.0 cm in height during the first growing    season. The new variety was pruned to a height of approximately    160.0 cm during the first dormant season, and primary scaffolds were    then selected for the desired tree structure.-   Productivity: Productive. Fruit set varies from more than the    desired crop load to levels much higher than desired levels when    grown in a suitable horticultural zone, and under normal commercial    conditions. The fruit set is spaced by selective thinning to develop    the remaining fruit into the desired market-sized fruit. The number    of the fruit set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions and    cultural practices. Therefore, productivity is not a distinctive    characteristic of the new variety.-   Fruit bearing: Regular. Fruit set has been above average during the    previous years of observation, and thinning was necessary during the    past 4 years on both the original seedling and on subsequently    asexually produced trees.-   Form: Upright, and pruned into a vase shape.-   Density: Considered moderately dense. It has been discovered that    pruning the branches from the center of the trees to obtain a    resulting vase shape allows for air movement and appropriate amounts    of sunlight to enhance fruit coloration, and renewal of fruiting    wood throughout the tree.-   Hardiness: The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA    Hardiness Zone 9. The calculated winter chilling requirements of the    new tree is approximately 550 hours at a temperature below 7.0    degrees C. The present variety appears to be hardy under typical    central San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.

TRUNK

-   Diameter: Approximately 12.5 cm in diameter when measured at a    distance of approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level. This    measurement was taken at the end of the fourth growing season.-   Bark texture: Considered moderately rough, with numerous folds of    papery scarfskin being present. Since bark development and    coloration change with the tree age this characteristic varies with    tree vigor, age and regional environmental conditions, and therefore    is not a dependable descriptor of the variety.-   Lenticels: Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The lenticels    range in size from approximately 4.0 millimeters to about 6.0 mm in    width, and between about 1.0 and about 2.0 millimeters in height.    The development and size of the trunk lenticels can be influenced,    to some degree, by the ambient growing conditions, and are not,    necessarily, a dependable characteristic of this variety. As trees    of this variety mature, lenticels are present but are generally    covered by increasing layers of cork (mature bark) and therefore are    less apparent.-   Lenticel color: Considered an orange brown, (RHS Greyed-Yellow Group    162 C).-   Bark coloration: Variable, but it is generally considered to be a    medium brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 166 B). This bark description    was taken from trees in their fifth leaf which have not yet ruptured    the scarf skin, nor developed bark furrowing which is much more    typical of the bark of older trees. It should be noted that the    coloration of the bark varies as the smoother, darker background    color approaches other bark features such as the bark lenticels and    the initial fissures which become present during scarf skin    development.

BRANCHES

-   Size: Considered medium for the variety.-   Diameter: Average as compared to other peach varieties. The branches    have a diameter of about 7.5 centimeters when measured during the    fourth year after grafting.-   Surface texture: Average, and appearing furrowed on wood which is    several years old.-   Crotch angles: Primary branches are considered variable, and are    usually growing at an angle of about 51 to about 58 degrees when    measured from a horizontal plane. This particular characteristic is    not considered distinctive of the variety as this characteristic can    be influenced, to some degree, by tree vigor, rootstock and other    cultural conditions.-   Current season shoots: Surface texture—Substantially glabrous.-   Internode length: Approximately 2.5 cm.-   Color of mature branches: Grey brown, (RHS Grey-Brown Group N199 D).-   Current seasons shoots: Color.—Medium-light green, (RHS Green Group    143 B). The color of new shoot tips is considered a bright and shiny    green (RHS Green Group 143 A). The vegetative shoot color can be    significantly influenced by plant nutrition, irrigation practices    and exposure to sunlight, and therefore should not be considered a    consistent botanical characteristic of this variety.

LEAVES

-   Size: Considered medium for the species. Leaf measurements have been    taken from vigorous, upright, current-season growth, at    approximately mid-shoot. It should be understood that the leaf size    is often influenced by prevailing growing conditions, the amount of    sunlight, and the location of the leaf within the tree canopy. For    this reason, leaf sizes can vary significantly based upon the    factors listed above and are not typically considered a dependable    botanical descriptor. Leaf bud burst typically occurs about March    8-10 under typical cultural conditions.-   Leaf length: Approximately 150.0 to about 170.0 millimeters.-   Leaf width: Approximately 27.0 to about 33.0 millimeters.-   Leaf base-shape: The leaves generally exhibit equal marginal    symmetry relative to the leaf longitudinal axis.-   Leaf form: Lanceolate.-   Leaf tip form: Acuminate.-   Leaf color: Upper Leaf Surface—Dark green, (approximately RHS Green    Group 131 B).-   Leaf texture: Glabrous.-   Leaf color: Lower Surface—Deep green, (approximately RHS    Yellow-Green Group 146 B).-   Leaf venation: Relatively broadly pinnately veined.-   Mid-vein: Color.—Considered a light yellow-green, (approximately RHS    Yellow-Green Group 150 C) in the early to mid period of the growing    season.-   Leaf margins: Gently undulating.-   Form: Considered bluntly serrate, occasionally biserrate.-   Uniformity: Considered generally uniform.-   Leaf petioles:    -   -   Form.—Considered canaliculate but having a shallow channel            and more pronounced trough from the dorsal aspect. Rounded            from the ventral aspect.        -   Size.—Considered medium large for the species.        -   Length.—About 9.0 to about 11.0 mm.        -   Diameter.—About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm.-   Color: Pale green, (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group N144 C).-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Size.—Considered small for the species; approximately 1.0 mm            in length, and about 1.0 mm in height.        -   Number.—Generally one to two glands per marginal side are            found. Observations of more than two glands per marginal            side are more uncommon.        -   Type.—Generally considered to be a tight, small reniform            shaped gland.        -   Color.—Considered a pale green, approximately (RHS Green            Group 143 B). Typically the coloration of the glands darkens            and occasionally begins to desiccate during and after the            mid-late growing season.-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Size.—Medium large for the variety.        -   Number.—Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip.        -   Form.—Lanceolate in form and having a serrated marginal            edge.        -   Color.—Green, (approximately RHS Green Group 137 A) when            young, but graduating to a brown color, (approximately RHS            Greyed-Orange group 164 C) with advancing senescence. The            leaf stipules are generally considered to be early            deciduous.

FLOWER

-   Flower buds: Hardiness.—No winter injury (bud death) has been noted    during the last several years of observation in the central San    Joaquin Valley. The new variety of peach tree has not been    intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress, and therefore    this information is not available.-   Date of first bloom: Observed on Feb. 24, 2010. Flower bud color at    slight bud swell is reddish-purple (RHS Grey-purple 183C).-   Blooming time: Considered medium in relative comparison to other    commercial peach cultivars grown in the central San Joaquin Valley.    The date of full bloom was observed on Feb. 30, 2010. The date of    full bloom varies slightly with climatic conditions, and prevailing    cultural practices. The bloom has a slight pleasant fragrance.-   Duration of bloom: Approximately 9 days. This characteristic varies    slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.-   Flower type: The variety is considered to have a showy type flower.    -   -   Flower petals.—About 17-21 mm. in length; About 14-18 mm. in            width; Ovoid in shape;        -   Marginal form.—Undulating;        -   Color.—Light pink (RHS Red-purple group 65C); An apical            groove is typically present;        -   Petal claw shape.—Triangular; Width — 7.0-9.0 mm.; Length —            10-12 mm.;        -   Flower pedicel.—Length — About 4.0-5.0 mm.; Width — about            2.0-2.5 mm.;        -   Color.—Dull green (RHS Green group 143B) when bud scales are            removed.-   Bloom quantity: Considered abundant.    -   -   Floral nectarines.—Color — Deep grey-orange (RHS Grey-orange            group N167B).-   Flower bud frequency: Normally two flower buds appear per node,    occasionally one, rarely more than two.    -   -   Pollen Production—Abundant.        -   Pollen Color.—(RHS Yellow-orange group 17B.        -   Fertility.—Self fertile.-   Petal count: Nearly always 5.    -   -   Calyx.—Size — About 6-8 mm. in width; about 10 mm. in            length; conical in shape;        -   Color.—Dull purple (RHS Grey-purple group N186C).-   Anthers:    -   -   Generally.—Medium to small for the species.        -   Color.—Dull red/purple, approximately (RHS Greyed-Red Group            179A).-   Filiments:    -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 15.0 to 17.0            millimeters in length;        -   Color.—Considered a medium to pale pink, (RHS Red-Purple            Group 65 C).-   Pistil:    -   -   Number.—Usually 1, rarely 2;        -   Generally.—Medium in size;        -   Length.—Approximately 16.0-18.0 millimeters in length            including the ovary;        -   Color.—Considered a pale green, (approximately RHS            Yellow-Green Group 145 C); and        -   Surface texture.—The variety has a long pubescent pistil.

FRUIT

-   Maturity when described: Firm ripe condition (shipping ripe).-   Date of first picking: Aug. 10, 2010. Date of last picking. — Aug.    17, 2010. The date of harvest varies slightly with the prevailing    climatic conditions and cultural practices.-   Size: Generally—Considered large, and uniform.-   Average cheek diameter: Approximately 68.0 to about 79.0    millimeters, and sometimes larger.-   Average axial diameter: Approximately 62.0 to about 68.0    millimeters, and sometimes larger.-   Typical weight: Approximately 278.0 grams. This characteristic is    quite dependent upon the prevailing cultural practices, and    therefore is not particularly distinctive of the new variety.-   Fruit form: Generally—Considered slightly oblate. The fruit is    generally uniform in symmetry.-   Fruit suture: No apparent protrusion, callousing or stitching exists    along the suture line.-   Suture: Color—Generally blushed to the same degree as the skin,    (approximately RHS Red Group 42 A).-   Ventral surface: Form—Quite even and uniform in appearance when    viewed from the lateral sutorial plane.-   Apex: Generally-Rounded.-   Base: Shape—Gently refuse.-   Stem cavity: Generally—Rounded and uniform in shape. The average    depth of the stem cavity is about 7.0 mm. Average width of the stem    cavity is about 12.0 mm. Average length of the in the sutorial plane    is about 20.0 mm.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Considered medium in thickness, and tenacious to            the flesh.        -   Surface texture.—Short, fine and pubescent. The pubescence            is moderately abundant.        -   Taste.—Non-astringent.        -   Tendency to crack.—Not observed in the current or previous            years of evaluation.-   Fruit skin color:    -   -   Blush color.—Generally speaking, a red blush exists on a            majority of the skin of the fruit (approximately RHS            Orange-Red Group N34 A), and is typically more present on            the portions of the fruit facing the sunlight. The blush            covers approximately 70-80% of the fruit skin surface. The            percentage of the blush on the fruit skin surface can vary,            and is generally dependent upon the fruit's exposure to            direct sunlight; specific fruit maturity; and also the            prevailing ecological and cultural conditions under which            the fruit is grown. It should noted that the presence of            darker pigmentation ‘striping’ or ‘tigering’ is generally            observed laterally, above the equatorial plane and generally            increases in frequency in progression toward the fruit's            apex. This additional pigmentation generally deepens the hue            of the surrounding surface.        -   Ground color.—Yellow, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group            21 D). The ground color of the fruit can vary significantly            based upon the maturity of the fruit when this measurement            is taken.-   Fruit stem:    -   -   Size.—Medium in length, approximately 6.0 to about 9.0            millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 2.0 to about 3.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Pale yellow-green, (approximately RHS Yellow-Green            Group N144 B). Occasionally ‘stem tear’ (skin of the fruit,            when picked, partially detaches from the flesh leaving a            loose flap of skin at the base of the stem well/hilum            interface) can be observed.-   Fruit flesh:    -   -   Ripening.—Considered even.        -   Texture.—Firm, juicy and dense. Considered non-melting.        -   Fibers.—Few are found.        -   Aroma.—Slight.        -   Eating quality.—Considered very good.        -   Flavor.—Considered very sweet and with moderate to low            acidity. The flavor is considered both pleasant and            balanced.        -   Juice production.—Moderate.        -   Brix.—About 15.0 to 20.0 degrees. This characteristic varies            slightly with the number of fruit per tree; the maturity of            fruit when harvested; the prevailing cultural practices; and            the ambient climatic conditions. This brix is 3-7 brix            higher than fruit produced by U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,405            when grown under the same growing conditions.        -   Flesh color.—Is considered an orange-yellow, (approximately            RHS Yellow-Orange 16 A). It should be noted that the flesh            can develop a reddish color at the outer margin of the pit            cavity that can radiate into the flesh. This deepening color            generally occurs as the fruit increasingly matures, but it            is not distinctive of the variety.

STONE

-   Type: Considered freestone.-   Size: Considered medium-large for the variety. The stone size varies    significantly depending upon the tree vigor, crop load and    prevailing growing conditions.-   Length: Average, about 34.0 to about 41.0 millimeters.-   Width: Average, about 27.0 to about 36.0 millimeters.-   Diameter: Average, about 18.0 to about 24.0 millimeters.-   Form: Roughly acuminate.-   Base: The stone is quadrate in shape at the basal axis.-   Apex: Shape.—The stone exhibits a slight to prominently acute apex.-   Stone surface:    -   -   Surface texture.—Considered relatively course. Surface            pitting is generally more noted toward the dorsal edges of            the stone.        -   Ridges.—Ridging is generally more prominent and is usually            oriented parallel, and laterally relative to the ventral            margin.        -   Ventral edge.—The ventral edge is generally considered            troughed with two reasonably distinguished edges running            parallel to, and on both sides of, the stone's suture. These            distinct edges continue from the hilum to the apex.        -   Dorsal edge.—Shape — Generally considered moderately rough            and uneven. The folds of the surface ridges appearing on the            external margins often end abruptly along the external            margin of the dorsal surface creating an irregular edge.            There is often substantial lobbing or a pronounced extension            of the dorsal margin at its mid-point in length.-   Stone color: The color of a mature, dry stone is generally    considered a reddish brown, approximately (RHS Greyed-Purple Group    N186 C). This depends, to some degree, on the moisture content of    the stone. This color is variable, however, and may also be affected    by oxidation and sun bleaching.-   Tendency to split: Splitting has rarely been noted.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium-small in size.        -   Form.—Considered generally ovoid.        -   Pellicle.—Slightly pubescent.        -   Color.—(RHS Greyed-Orange Group N167 B).-   Use: The present variety ‘Burpeachtwentysix’ is considered to be a    peach tree of the late season of maturity, and which produces fruit    which are considered to be firm, attractively colored, and which are    useful for both local and long distance shipping.-   Keeping quality: Appears excellent. The fruit of the present variety    has stored well for up to 30 days after harvest at 1.0 degree    Celsius.-   Shipping quality: Good. The fruit of the new peach tree variety    showed minimal bruising of flesh or skin damage after being    subjected to normal harvesting and packing procedures.-   Resistance to insects and disease: No particular susceptibilities    were noted. The present variety has not been tested to expose or    detect any susceptibilities or resistances to any known plant and/or    fruit diseases.

Although the new variety of peach tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Fowler, Calif., in the Central part of the San Joaquin Valley ofCalifornia, it should be understood that variations of the usualmagnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,fertilization, pruning, pest control, frost, climatic variables andhorticultural management are to be expected.

1. A new distinct variety of peach tree, substantially as illustratedand described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty byproducing an attractively colored yellow-fleshed, freestone peach whichis mature for harvesting and shipment approximately August 10 to August17 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valleyof central California.